Book Review: Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Syzmanksi

Author: Simon Kuper and Stefan SyzmanksiTitle:Soccernomics : why England loses, why Germany and Brazil win, and why the U.S., Japan, Australia, Turkey and even India are destined to become the kings of the world’s most popular sportPublication Info: New York : Nation Books, c2009.ISBN: 9781568584256

That England based on their experience, population, and other demographics they are actually not underachievers but win more often than they should. The authors also give some tips on how England can improve (like not playing in the physically taxing Premier League).

Why soccer clubs are bad businesses and should not be run as a business.

Secrets of the transfer market, such as the wisdom of crowds, buy players in their early 20s, sell whenever another club offers more than he’s worth, and help players to relocate and adjust to their new culture. Olympique Lyonnais is the Moneyball club of Europe winning French titles using unconventional techniques.

Fans are analyzed with the devoted Nick Hornby-type fan proving a rarity (not so surprising) and the world’s most soccer-mad fans are in an unexpected nation.

Rankings of the most overperforming and underperforming soccer nations in the world and a glimpse at the future world soccer order.